The Washington Commanders were inconsistent on offense during Sunday's 24-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, just as many anticipated, but fans got to see one player exceed the expectations that a large portion of the public had set for him. After getting roasted for a perceived lack of strength during preseason play, which was captured via video, rookie linebacker Sonny Styles displayed eye-catching power in Philly.

The former Ohio State star bowled over 2024 Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley before sacking Super Bowl 59 MVP Jalen Hurts. Retired offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz was quick to taunt the doubters following the thunderous play.

“So maybe that preseason week 1 ‘film review' mocking Styles wasn’t indicative of how he might play in the regular season,” the NFL analyst and podcast host quipped.

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Styles has been riding the roller coaster since last winter. He became a Combine darling after showing off his remarkable athleticism but was unable to leap above Buckeyes teammate Arvell Reese on the draft board. The New York Giants selected Reese with the No. 5 overall pick, and the Commanders scooped up Styles at No. 7. Comparisons flooded social media throughout training camp and preseason, with the latter seemingly drawing endless criticism.

Legacies are crafted on Sundays, however. The 2025 All-American endured some tough moments in his NFL debut and missed two tackles, per Pro Football Focus, but he oozed a fair amount of promise. He also answered questions about his physicality.

Alex “Sonny” Styles got his nickname because his hot temper reminded his parents of James Caan's Oscar-nominated Sonny Corleone in “The Godfather.” The 21-year-old did not bite Barkley's fingers or smash Hurts in the head with a trash can lid, but he unleashed undeniable intensity all the same.

Styles will try to take another step forward in his development and help the Commanders get in the win column in next Sunday's road game versus the Dallas Cowboys.